CBS 5PHOENIX (AP/CBS5) -
A Superior Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer's proclamations declaring a state "Day of Prayer."
Judge Eileen Willett granted a motion to dismiss with prejudice, meaning the court cannot be asked to rule on the same issue again.
A U.S. district judge in Arizona dismissed the same challenge in December by the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation.
The foundation claimed the proclamations violate a constitutional prohibition against government establishment of religion and filed suit in Arizona's federal court in March 2010.
Brewer issued a statement Monday saying that she applauded the Superior Court for rejecting the lawsuit.
Here is Brewer's full statement in the wake of the court action:
"I applaud the Arizona Superior Court for rejecting this lawsuit, which was little more than another sad attempt to stifle an American tradition.
"Uniting in prayer is a custom as old as our nation itself. For centuries, millions of Americans of every race, creed and color have come together in voluntary prayer to seek strength and wisdom. This is an American right and tradition, and one that I've proudly marked each year I've been governor by proclaiming an Arizona Day of Prayer.
"In these troubled times, it is more important than ever that we have opportunities such as this to freely and voluntarily come together in seeking courage and guidance from a higher power. I thank the court for dismissing this baseless suit, and will continue to vigorously defend our ability to commemorate an Arizona Day of Prayer."
Her office says every president since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation and governors of all 50 states issued similar proclamations last year.
Copyright 2012 CBS 5 (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
